Have you gotten a COVID-19 vaccine already? Great! However, if you plan on visiting the islands, you should know that Hawaii still requires a pre-travel test for vaccinated travelers. And there are good, scientific reasons for this requirement. Oh, and the City reverses course on the new Hanauma Bay rules. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Requires Pre-Travel Test for Vaccinated Travelers
Hawaii Pre-Travel Testing Fails to Attract Japanese
Just as I predicted, Hawaii pre-travel testing fails to attract Japanese visitors. And, the reasons why the program failed are, mostly, due to those that I cited in my predictions. Who could've seen that coming? … [Read more...] about Hawaii Pre-Travel Testing Fails to Attract Japanese
Marriott Hawaii Not Offering Points Discounts
Marriott's latest award redemption promotion lets you save up to 40% off standard rates. But, it only applies to off-peak rates, so in reality, you're only saving 10% on those rates. Still, that's not bad! Unfortunately, Marriott Hawaii is not offering points discounts. Mostly. … [Read more...] about Marriott Hawaii Not Offering Points Discounts
Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
With cases surging around the US and particularly in Hawaii's single largest source of visitors - California, it's no surprise that a Waikiki clinic reports an uptick in COVID cases. And, of course, this is especially true of travelers arriving from California. … [Read more...] about Waikiki Clinic Reports Uptick in COVID Cases
Marriott Reinstates Elite Guarantees + Adds Benefits
Months after suspending them due to the pandemic, Marriott reinstates Elite guarantees. What's more, they've announced a slew of new benefits and promotions with an eye on retaining members for the expected return of travel in 2022. … [Read more...] about Marriott Reinstates Elite Guarantees + Adds Benefits
Walk-In Entry No Longer Permitted at Hanauma Bay
Heads up! Walk-in entry no longer permitted at Hanauma Bay due to a multitude of safety concerns. This restriction will remain in place until the City & County of Honolulu can implement a new online reservation system. … [Read more...] about Walk-In Entry No Longer Permitted at Hanauma Bay
Ohana by Hawaiian to Suspend All Service
Back in October Hawaiian announced that it planned to suspend service at its commuter subsidiary, Ohana. However, the DOT overruled them citing essential air service requirements. Now, though, the DOT has issued a new ruling allowing Ohana by Hawaiian to suspend all service soon. … [Read more...] about Ohana by Hawaiian to Suspend All Service
Hawaii Suspends Surfing Competitions
Surf and surf competitions are hallmarks of winter in Hawaii. However, this winter isn't your typical kind of winter. Big crowds are not a good idea at the moment. So, thanks to rising rates of infection in the islands, Hawaii suspends surfing competitions indefinitely to curtail large gatherings. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Suspends Surfing Competitions
Maui Reinstates Restrictions on Restaurants
For months now, Maui has seen very low levels of infection. But, with the holidays, that changed. Average daily infection numbers jumped by over 100% from low, single-digits, to about 23 per day according to the latest figures. So, as a result, Maui reinstates restrictions on restaurants and gatherings to curb the spread. … [Read more...] about Maui Reinstates Restrictions on Restaurants
Kauai Rejoins Inter-Island Pre-Travel Testing Program
Back in December, Kauai suspended its participation in the Hawaii Safe Travels program. However, the Garden Isle is slowly opening itself back up again as Kauai rejoins the inter-island pre-travel testing program. … [Read more...] about Kauai Rejoins Inter-Island Pre-Travel Testing Program